Generous photographer takes snaps of bride and terminally ill husband on wedding day - for free!

Liam Norcliffe

A tearful bride has praised the generosity of a Worksop photographer who captured the moment she tied the knot with her terminally ill husband - for free.

Trudy and Mitch Baker, of Franklin Crescent, Whitwell, had been together for 17 years before they decided to get married.

The couple, who have a son together, Jack, 13, were left devastated when Mitch was diagnosed with terminal cancer, forcing them to plan their wedding within six weeks on a small budget and potentially without a photographer.

But after Shaun Bailey, of New Focus Photography, Canal Road, was approached by Trudy’s friend Karen Stephenson, he decided to step in and offer his services for free.

“We got a text message from Shaun saying he would be happy to be our photographer,” Trudy said.

“I replied asking how much it would cost and he said ‘nothing, free of charge’.”

“He said that he was honoured and lucky enough to do a job that he enjoys and that he wanted to give some memories for me and my husband.”

“Me and Mitch both cried, it really restored our faith in people.”

“All I kept thinking was ‘why would a complete stranger do such a thing?’”

“He brought another photographer with him and stayed all day until the last dance at 9pm.”

On 2nd January 2015, Mitch suffered a stroke and can no longer speak.

“We don’t know how long Mitch has got left but without Shaun we would not have had that day,” Trudy added.

“We will never forget it.”

The pair, who got married on 15th November 2014, at Sitwell Arms, Station Road, Renishaw, presented Shaun with a special framed poem on the day.

“I told them to put the money towards their honeymoon,” Shaun said.

“It was one of the most emotional days I have ever had behind a camera. It was such a moving day and everyone was in high spirits and I don’t recall having to ask anyone to smile.”